Elaine Borowski
Support Coordinators work to ensure their clients receive the best services that match their skills, interest, goals and dreams! Elaine Borowski is a perfect example. She graduated high school and literally jumped into pursuing her dreams, with the guidance and support of her Support Coordinator, Cheryl Greene.
At age 21, Elaine enrolled in the appropriately named “DREAM Program” to take classes at Mercer County Community College, with additional supports and academic tutoring. Elaine’s Support Coordinator Cheryl stays closely connected with Elaine, even meeting with her on campus(es), at home or at other community-based locations. Cheryl assisted with registering Elaine’s family member as her Self-Directed Employee to help support her in being independent while at home and when out in her community.
“We have had a very positive experience working, being guided, and getting help through CPS with Cheryl,” said her mother, Tatiana Hanz.
Over the years, Elaine has grown along with her dreams. She has continued taking college classes, both at Mercer Community and Raritan Valley Community College, while also working in clerical positions. “Cheryl is incredible at guiding Elaine to find a job and be the best at it,” said Tatiana.
Fitness is important to Elaine. She is an accomplished swimmer and spends leisure time working out and competing in Special Olympics. Cheryl has been helpful in providing recommendations on how Elaine can use her DDD budget to cover a gym membership and fitness classes. “She is very persistent in getting what we are looking for, like helping her get a membership to Princeton Fitness & Wellness,” said Tatiana.
Sometimes the support goes beyond the typical Case Manager role in both good times and bad. “We discuss our travels, parties, Pink’s and Taylor Swift’s concerts and even Elaine’s dresses,” laughs her mom.
This past year, however, has been difficult. Elaine lost an uncle in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. “We appreciate Cheryl’s emotional support during this challenging time for us,” said her mom. “We are so grateful for her help, support, kindness and contribution to Elaine’s success.”
By taking a person-centered approach, Cheryl is able to provide Elaine with the support she needs to continue reaching for her dreams!
Bashir Ports
Imagine you are standing at a locked door, holding a keychain loaded with keys, patiently trying out each one until you find the right match. That’s what it’s like when Support Coordinators work with clients. They are attentive listeners and put careful thought into selecting services and providers to meet a client’s goals. However, sometimes the connections don’t go as planned. In those cases, funded services through the state Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) can be started, stopped and adjusted.
Bashir Ports came to CPS in 2017 and started to unlock opportunities. His Support Coordinator met with Bashir to understand his likes, wants, goals and areas of development. Together, Bashir, his family and the Support Coordinator explored opportunities that might fit his life’s vision.
Initially, Bashir took advantage of some vocational training opportunities and supplemented this with attending a Part-Time Day Program. He also took courses in gaming design.
However, the fit and opportunities were not quite right. His mother, Lawanda Ports, recalls that Bashir “was still completely accepted, everywhere he went. His kind disposition and giving nature made him thrive” but that he was looking for opportunities where he would connect better with peers while continuing to develop and grow.
Working with his Support Coordinator Sheila Rzeczkowski, Bashir continued to explore different programs until he found the ones to match his potential. He is now enrolled four days a week in one day program that is community-based and emphasizes skill development and once a week in a program, which has a more social and recreational focus. He takes part in a respite program to enjoy additional leisure time with peers, has a Self Directed Employee to support him at home and in his local community and has even used his budget to fund Uber/Lyft transportation services.
Combining two programs has been perfect for Bashir! Bashir’s plan and services have grown and evolved as his needs and interests have changed. He is fully maximizing his DDD budget, combining services to create a well-rounded schedule and fulfilling life.
Lawanda is deeply appreciative of the support from Sheila. “Being the parent of an adult with a disability can be difficult at times, but it helps to have someone to lean on when you don’t know the answers,” said Lawanda. “Sheila is always willing to help us out. Even at the last minute, she will still reply. Her honesty, determination, and hard work for Bashir are greatly appreciated, and I must say that I admire her.”